The Secret to a Private French Quarter Courtyard Elopement
Most couples who dream of a New Orleans elopement picture Jackson Square. While that location is iconic, it is rarely private – quite the opposite actually! Fun…yes! But not quaint. If you want the historic charm of the French Quarter without the crowds, you have to look behind the heavy iron gates at our favorite hidden courtyards.
For the best pricing and the most intimate experience, we highly recommend a mid-week elopement on a Sunday through Thursday. The city is much calmer during these times and these boutique venues often offer their best rates for couples eloping during the week.
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
If you want vintage New Orleans at its finest, the Pharmacy Museum is unmatched. It features a lush and high-walled tropical courtyard that feels like a world of its own. The atmosphere is filled with charm and nineteenth century history. It is sophisticated and deeply romantic. Because it is a museum, the courtyard is exclusively yours once they close for the day. This is a popular spot and booking mid-week is often the only way to snag a date without a year-long wait. It keeps your elopement feeling like a private event rather than a tourist attraction.
The Catahoula Hotel Courtyard
For couples who want something off the beaten path but still walkable to the French Quarter, the Catahoula Hotel is a hidden gem. This boutique hotel is tucked into a historic building. The courtyard is a stunning mix of exposed brick, greenery and black/white flooring with a chic and minimalist aesthetic. It is intimate and quiet. It feels like a secret club where the architecture does all the decorating for you. The Catahoula is perfect for getting ready photos and the ceremony in one spot. We love this for mid-week elopements because you can often grab a cool streetcar photo celebrating your marriage without fighting weekend crowds.
Why Mid-Week is the Best Move
As your New Orleans elopement team, we have seen it all. While weekends are a party, the days between Sunday and Thursday are when the city truly breathes. You will find better availability for your first choice photographer and these boutique venues are much more likely to be open. Walking through the French Quarter for portraits is a dream when you are not dodging thousands of tourists. Many of our land-based collections and venue partners offer the best value for mid-week dates. You might also wonder about permits. For spots like the Pharmacy Museum and Catahoula, booking fees are required. Part of our work is helping you navigate those logistics.
If you want to explore other locations, GREAT! Here are equally stunning elopement venues we love to photograph across the city.
How to Handle the Legal Side of Your Marriage
As your wedding day draws near, the excitement can be overwhelming. You’ve found the perfect dress, a picturesque venue, a talented Wedding Photographer and it’s starting to all come together. Planning your perfect day is nothing short of exciting. However, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget about the legal side of a marriage. Sure, you’ve found your officiant, but do you know the ins and outs of getting a marriage license? If you don’t, don’t panic. Getting a marriage license in Louisiana is actually quite easy! Before you walk down the aisle, here are a few questions you need answered.
Where to Get a Louisiana Marriage License?
You can get a marriage license in any Clerk of Court office in Louisiana. There are clerk of court offices in every parish in the state and, depending on the size of the parish, there may be multiple office locations where you can obtain your marriage license. Marriage licenses obtained in any Clerk of Court office are valid throughout the entire state meaning even if you get your license in another city, you can still get married in NoLA!
Both you and your fiancé need to bring specific documents when applying for your marriage license. This includes a current driver’s license, current state ID or passport and a certified copy of a birth certificate or a certified birth card. You will also need Social Security numbers if born in the United States. If you were not born in the US or territories, you must bring a valid passport from your country of birth or a visa with an attached I-94 form. If you have been previously married, you must bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree. If you are widowed, a certified copy of the death certificate of the former spouse is required.
The fee to get a marriage license in Louisiana is minimal. It typically ranges from $28 to $55 depending on the parish. You must be at least sixteen years old to get a marriage license in Louisiana. If you are under eighteen years old, you need to have written consent from both of your parents and judicial authorization. However, if you are under the age of eighteen, you will not be issued a marriage license if you have an age difference of more than two years.
It’s best to get your marriage license a few days before your wedding ceremony for two reasons. First, marriage licenses are only valid for thirty days. Second, there is a twenty-four hour waiting period between when your license is issued and when you can get married. This can possibly be waived in certain circumstances so please reach out to us if you need a waiver.
Where to Celebrate with a Private Mid-Week Dinner?
New Orleans isn’t just a place—it’s a mood, a memory, a melody. When it comes to hosting a private group dining experience, the city delivers experiences as rich as its history. Whether you’re planning an intimate private wedding dinner or a celebratory feast, these restaurants offer exquisite menus and settings steeped in charm.
Restaurant August is the epitome of fine dining in New Orleans. Housed in a nineteenth century building, it offers a grand yet intimate setting. Imagine the delight of your guests as they savor impeccably crafted French-influenced cuisine in a space adorned with gleaming chandeliers and antique mirrors. The commitment to excellence extends beyond the plate and the service is impeccable.
Tableau is where old-world grandeur meets modern culinary excellence. Overlooking Jackson Square, this venue serves elevated Creole cuisine in an elegant yet inviting space. Whether dining in the grand private room or on the balcony with sweeping views, guests will feel the charm of historic New Orleans at every bite.
Muriel’s is famous for its opulent interiors and resident ghost. Located in Jackson Square, the private dining spaces offer a captivating experience. The menu is a love letter to Creole cuisine and the richly decorated dining rooms create an ambiance of mystery and elegance. If you are looking for an intimate setting with a touch of the supernatural, this is the place to be.
Brennan’s is a New Orleans institution dripping in pink-hued charm and Southern hospitality. It remains a go-to for elegant private dining. Whether hosting brunch in a courtyard shaded by lush greenery or an intimate dinner in the Roost Bar, guests will feel pampered at every turn. No evening is complete without the dramatic tableside flambéing of their legendary Bananas Foster.
Napoleon House is a two-hundred year old landmark that offers a relaxed yet elegant dining experience. The private rooms here feel like stepping back in time. Their legendary Muffuletta is served warm and pairs perfectly with their famous Pimm’s Cup. It provides a one-of-a-kind setting filled with historic charm.
Who is Helping You Plan
Hey y’all, I’m Marcia and I’ve spent years navigating the secret corners of New Orleans to create seamless and soul-stirring elopements. With over ninety five-star reviews and a deep network of the best vendors in the city, I do more than take photos. I architect the day. From disguising myself as a deckhand for surprise sailboat proposals to securing the quietest mid-week hours at the Pharmacy Museum, my goal is to ensure your only job is to fall more in love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you handle stress-free New Orleans vow renewals?
Absolutely! Many couples choose these private French Quarter courtyards to say “I do” all over again. Whether it is your five-year or fifty-year anniversary, we handle the logistics to keep the experience completely seamless and heartfelt.
Which private venues do you recommend for a French Quarter ceremony?
We love the historic charm of New Orleans elopement photography at the Pharmacy Museum for its lush greenery and architecture. For couples seeking a more modern, intimate vibe, Catahoula Hotel weddings offer a sophisticated, boutique backdrop for your exchange of vows.
Are these locations suitable for a New Orleans micro wedding?
Yes! We specialize in mid-week New Orleans elopements and micro weddings. These intimate celebrations allow you to enjoy the city’s premier venues with your closest loved ones without the stress and complexity of a traditional large-scale wedding.
Why do you suggest mid-week dates for private elopements?
Mid-week dates offer the most privacy and the best light without the weekend crowds. It allows the French Quarter to truly breathe and gives you the best access to premier venues and the “stress-free” atmosphere we are known for.
How many guests can we bring to a courtyard elopement?
Our packages can accommodate up to twenty-five guests depending on the tier you choose. Keep in mind that some historic venues have tighter guest limits; some require a maximum of 10 guests to qualify for their specific elopement pricing.
Start Your Journey
Whether you are dreaming of the historic Pharmacy Museum or the hidden brick walls of the Catahoula, our goal is to handle the legwork so y’all can actually enjoy the ride.
Ready to turn your vision into a reality?
Use the calendar on our contact page to book your initial Clarity Call →
